Introduction

This application note explains how to enable and test a printer driven Cash Drawer on MacOS. Star Desktop printers can be configured to automatically open a Cash Drawer connected to them after each transaction, in which a receipt is printed, or can set disabled if its aperture will be controlled by the POS software.

Supported Printers: All Star Desktop Thermal and Impact Printers
Supported Cash Drawers: Star CD3, CD4 and SMD2 (printer driven models) and most 3^rd party cash drawers
Supported Environments: MacOS

Before you begin

Important! Ensure that the printer is installed, configured and working on the Mac device.

Enable CUPS Web Interface

Note: The CUPS Driver Web Interface must be enabled on the Mac device in order to add a cash drawer. If it has already been enabled, this step can be skipped.

1. Open a web browser and type localhost:631 in the address bar. If accessing this page for the first time, the Web Interface will be disabled.

2. On the Mac device, go to Utilities and open “Terminal”.

3. In Terminal, type the following command and tap Enter:

cupsctl WebInterface=yes

4. Return to the browser and reload the page. The CUPS Web Interface will now be enabled.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled the CUPS Web Interface on MacOS.

Enable Cash Drawer with CUPS Driver

1. Connect the cash drawer to the printer’s “DK” port with the cable included with your Cash Drawer purchase, and power the printer on.

Note: Star Cash Drawer cables are labeled to indicate which end connects to the printer and which to the cash drawer.

2. Open a web browser and type localhost:631 in the address bar. Click “Printers”.

3. Click your printer from the list.

4. Select the Administration dropdown and choose “Set Default Options”.

5. Click “Cash Drawer Control” and locate “Cash Drawer”.

6. Select “Open Drawer 1”.

7. Click “Set Default Options”.

Note: If prompted, enter your Mac Username and Password to Log In.

8. The settings are saved.

9. To test, open System Preferences and select “Printers and Scanners”.

10. Highlight the printer and click “Open Print Queue…”.

11. In the top menu bar select Printer and click “Print Test Page”.

Note: If the drawer fails to open try reversing the ends of the cash drawer cable and/or selecting “Open Drawer 2”.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled a Cash Drawer with your printer on Mac.

See also

How to Enable a Cash Drawer on Windows